I generally try to keep my blog lighthearted, but that’s been more of a challenge lately as I rummage through the debris swirling around my mind since my sister's death. It doesn't help that it's bloody freezing outside. A few of days ago, my phone cheerfully informed me that it was -20 Celsius. That's -4 Fahrenheit in American. Doesn't sound as bad in Fahrenheit does it? Either way, walking in these seriously minus temperatures puts me at risk of slipping and breaking a hip unless I’m dressed like the Michelin Man or swaddled in two or three quilts. Crampons help somewhat, but they can also slip and slide. The weather in Québec is generally why people go south for the winter, but I'm not particularly motivated to visit the southern U.S., the Caribbean or Central America right now. Too many "mutterings" about invasions in the news!
I'm starting a chair yoga in class soon, a sure sign that I am on the last leg of my existence. Twenty years ago I used a yoga mat and I could whip off the floor in a heartbeat. No longer. Once at ground level, I stay there for awhile until I roll over, take a doggie position, scan the room for a chair or countertop, and slowly ask (no, BEG) my muscles to help me upright.
Last year in an attempt to strengthen my musculature, I signed up for an exercise class for the "over sixty" until walking itself became difficult. After heaps of Tylenol and various pain relief strategies involving ice and heat, I finally accepted that this particular type of training might be a tad too strenuous for me. Chair yoga it is!
I tried Tai Chi, twice, and could never recall the moves. I love watching it, just don't ask me to do it. I inevitably end up facing the other participants when I should be gliding serenely in the opposite direction. I've never been much of a group person anyway.
Looking back on my past adventures is something I rarely do. I know many live with their memories but tend to end up rather mopey. I know why. It's depressing as hell. Time to return to the present. That's really all we have.
What is pushing me to look back now? Two friends of mine, both women, have had heart attacks in the past year and almost bit the bullet. After the insertion of multiple stents in both of their bodies, they are lucky to be alive and understandably shaken. It brings the issue of mortality to the forefront. I remember my former mother-in-law finding it especially difficult when her friends started dying off. They met to play cards regularly but over time, fewer of them showed up.
In an effort to reclaim some level of cheerfulness, I am including photos of my friend Monica Brinkman and myself. Our art residency proposal "The Hurricane of Time" (L'Ouragan du Temps) was selected by the CACVS (Conseil des arts et de la Culture de Vaudreuil-Soulanges) last December. We’re currently working on an installation for our opening in mid-February 2026.
All I can say is thank goodness for art and the creative people who share my life. More information about our hurricane will come soon.
 |
| Building the eye of the hurricane |
 |
| Poster advertising our upcoming project |
Comments
Post a Comment